Name: Visitation for Curtis Hayes Edwards
Start: 2017-02-10T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-02-10T17:00:00.000Z
Location: First Baptist Church

CURTIS HAYES EDWARDS Curtis Hayes Edwards, 87, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017 after a battle with cancer in Wilmington, NC. He was born April 12, 1929 to Curtis and Lorena (Jennette) Edwards in Winston Salem, NC. Curtis attended RJ Reynolds High School in Winston Salem, NC and Catawba College in Salisbury, NC where he played basketball. After beginning his career as an educator first in Gaston County and later in New Hanover County, he obtained his Master in Education at East Carolina. Curtis served the New Hanover County School System as a principal for many years where he formed numerous friendships and served countless students. He was active at the First Baptist Church for over 50 years where he particularly loved the Smith/West Sunday School class and will always be remembered for the doughnuts he shared each Sunday. He and his wife had a very active life. They enjoyed the beach, bridge clubs, the Carolina Yacht Club, and church activities which they shared with many loving friends and family members. Curtis will always be remembered as a great husband, father, friend and educator. He loved to laugh and joke and with his caring and giving heart always placed others first. Once when asked if he was successful, he responded "I am successful because I have been a loving and faithful husband, have provided for my family, have loved my Lord, I have loved, and been loved. That is success." Those that knew him well know he lived his life this way for many years. Survivors include his wife of 60 years Jacqueline; his 4 children and their spouses Curtis and Sandy Edwards of Richmond, VA, Anne and Mark DeVore of Raleigh, NC, James (Jim) and Julie Edwards of Atlanta, Ga and Lynn and Del Barnhill of Charlotte, NC. Additionally, he is survived by 10 grandchildren Kristen Edwards Tiller, Anne Edwards Smith, Craig Alan DeVore, Paige Winborne Devore, Jessica Britt Edwards, Victoria Pretlow Edwards, Delwood Ray Barnhill, III, Caroline Hayes Barnhill, Campbell Yates Barnhill, and Rooks Edwards Barnhill and 2 great-grandchildren Jackson Owen Tiller and Campbell Grace Tiller. He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Lorena and his sister Jennette Louise Strickland. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the church parlor at First Baptist Church followed by a memorial service at 12 noon in the sanctuary. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Curtis' memory to the First Baptist Church, 411 Market St Wilmington, NC 28401 or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1406 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Market Street Chapel

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Published by Wilmington Star-News from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Edwards

15 Entries

David Cunningham

September 6, 2017

I am 68 years old, he was a teacher to me and principal of the school my children went to. Of all my teachers he was the most important one to me. He took the time to steer me on the right path. I have told many people what he meant to me. I think of him often. I am so sorry he was taken from this earth. God bless him. David Cunningham

February 20, 2017

Words can't express our profound sorrow with the passing of Mr. Edwards. He was a great leader, teacher, and AP at Lake Forest School.

Potter Girls

Carol Potter Peay
Renee Potter Hollifield
Stephanie Potter
Robin Potter Cashwell

Denise (Schultz) Bradley

February 10, 2017

Mr. Edwards was a remarkable man. He was my mom's Math teacher at Lake Forest many years ago and became my principal when I was in 1st grade back in 1980 I believe to be the year through 6th grade at MCW.. I saw him numerous times at the mall with his wife walking their laps and would always give him a hug and he would always remember my mom and myself.. when we moved here from Denver Colorado and I was taken to MCW for my first day, he always met visitors Outside as they pulled up he came out of the building, and he walked up to me and mom.. and he looked right at my mom and said, "Well my goodness Sandra, how have you been, it's been quite some time." My stomach sank because I was little and young, and couldn't understand how this man knew my mom.. we had just come from Colorado. Little did I know she lived here previously many many many years before.., so here I just knew I wouldn't ever get away with anything. Mr. Edwards watched out for me, and the one time a teacher hit me with a ruler because I didn't want to read out loud in front of others, she sent me to the office. I was in tears, Mr. Edwards called that teacher into the office and I never saw her again. Dont know the outcome other than the way my hand looked when she was done with it was enough for him to send her away. Mr. Edwards was the greatest of all Principals.. I was the shortest person at my school and always admired him for his tall stature. He roamed through every single classroom every single morning after announcments and always came to my desk and would put his hand on my shoulder and wish me a good day... he made going to school a great experience and always made you feel like you were important and that you mattered. I loved him and will miss him dearly. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful soul on Earth! And I just wanted to share my memories of him with you.

BILLY SLATER

February 10, 2017

CURTIS EDWARDS,HAD a lot to do with my in making me a better person in my life,he never gave up on me an it made me a better person,prayers to his family a true hero to many at LAKE FOREST

Helen Edwards

February 9, 2017

Our Family is saddened for your loss. He was always so kind and good to all of our neighbors growing up! Lynn, we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. It was an honor to have grown up knowing your kind Family. Always feeling welcomed in your home by your parents. Our prayers are with you all.

With Sympathy,
Helen Edwards and Family

The Other Edwards Family, -as your Father would often say! At the other end of the street! I will always remember that.

Cathy Lamica

February 9, 2017

Mr. Edwards is fondly remembered as a great man who exemplified integrity and dedication. I was fortunate to attend Lake Forest during the Mary C. Williams/Curtis Edwards era which helped build a solid foundation for success in my personal and professional life. My mother wrote often about our Lake Forest school days and shared these stories as staff writer and Educational Editor for the Star News. It brought great joy to read about his own success and that he lived a full and enriching life. My sincere condolences to his bride of 60 years and beloved family.

Bunny DeBose

February 9, 2017

What a GREAT legacy Curtis Edwards leaves behind. As a math teacher at Lake Forest school, he was the BEST. All other areas of math were easier because of what he taught me. He always had a kind word for students. Prayers are sent to his family.

Judge Abner Alexander Family

February 8, 2017

We have lost a treasured friend which began during youth in the Ardmore community, Winston-Salem. Abner and Curtis continued to weave their lives with each other and their families. We will always remember the love and laughter shared together.

Patsy Stephens

February 8, 2017

The loss of Mr. Edwards is the passing of a great person......the passing of a great era of caring teachers. He ranked among the very best! He was my teacher & vice principal...........I respected him in the days when students respected a great teacher. My prayers to his family. God Bless. Patsy Stephens

Jackie McNeil

February 8, 2017

Curtis I will miss your smile and seeing you and Jackie sitting in the Front yard enjoying the sun you were a kind and gentle soul you will be missed.

william peacock

February 8, 2017

to the edwards family sorry too hear about the passing of mr edwards he was a super nice guy i had the pleasure of knowning him as the principal of lake forest and seeing him at belks shopping always had a smile on his face he will be truly missed by friends and family

February 7, 2017

Kristen, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm thinking about you.... Nikki

Susanna Bleyer

February 7, 2017

Mr. Edwards is a light to the world. Growing up I enjoyed spending time with Lynn at home or on the beach with her parents. Mr Edwards always made us laugh, and he encouraged us to be our best. He is a wonderful Christian example. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family now.
Love, Susanna Butler Bleyer

Ida Harris

February 7, 2017

What a man! I will always remember the day in 1977 when I walked into his office at Mary C Williams Elementary School. He says after talking with me " Ida if you want the job, it's yours"! This became the next thirty- one years of my life, all because this awesome man gave me a chance. As I celebrated the end of my time at MCW, he was there also! What a man!! He will never be forgotten! My love, prayers, and sympathy to the Edwards family!!

Beth White

February 6, 2017

What a great man!! Mr. Edwards was a wonderful boss to me as I was his secretary at Mary C Williams School. I can truly say he was a positive father figure to me as I had lost my father to cancer when I was 6. I have so many fond memories! Family, you all have our supportive prayers!!
Love,
Larry and Beth White

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